Test XI - Windies series

[jaybro]

Although we have to wait a couple of months longer to see Zimbabwe return to Test Cricket, the Windies are coming for two Tests in February which should be a quite even series going off their last visit to Zimbabwe in 2017.

Yes I might have gone off a little early, but I see this thread being a good place to also track the Logan Cup performances of the 'Test Aspirants' and look at which players are likely to be called up.

Zimbabwe's last Test was at home v Bangladesh 18- months ago, and looking at the XI there will be likely 6-7 changes at least

Zim's XI v Bangladesh 2021

Milton Shumba ( possible )
Takudzwanashe Kaitano ( probable )
Brendan Taylor ( No chance )
Dion Myers ( Highly unlikely )
Tymcen Maruma ( Unlikely )
Roy Kaia ( Unlikely )
Regis Chakabva ( Almost certain )
Donald Tiripano (Unlikely )
Blessing Muzarabani ( Certain )
Richard Ngarava ( Certain )
Victor Nyauchi ( possible )

Looking at that XI and the probability of their selection, it's not inconceivable to think that Zimbabwe could field a completely different top 6, although barring a big Logan Cup by other opening candidates and a total flop from Kaitano, I would be confident to say he will be in the side. I would expect (barring injury ) Ervine, Williams & Raza to return to make up the middle order, I also think someone like Innocent Kaia could be in-line for a debut possibly opening or at No.3.

I have Regis as 'almost certain' as his move to Australia does throw a spanner into the works, although he has declared he is still available for selection, his move does throw up some doubt. Mutumbami's keeping didn't impress me in the Regional games I watched, and Clive Madande seems to be emerging as the 'keeper in waiting'.

For the bowling, it's no debate that Blessing & Richard have cemented themselves as Zimbabwe's two premier bowlers, and I also feel Brad Evan's or Tanaka Chivanga have jumped ahead of both Nvauchi & certainly Tiripano ( I actually think Tiripano is better off trying to get into the side as a batsman who can bowl ).

I also think Zimbabwe will likely play at least one spinner v the Windies as I expect us to produce slow low decks like we did last time to negate Holder, Joseph, Roach & co. For this reason we probably have to look at Burl or Wellington as the most likely candidates, although Brandon Mavuta could force his way into the side if he dominates the Logan Cup like he did the Pro50.

My XI at this stage (subject to change)

Takudzwanashe Kaitano
Kevin Kasuza
Innocent Kaia
Craig Ervine
Sean Williams
Sikander Raza
Regis Chakabva
Ryan Burl
Brad Evans
Richard Ngarava
Blessing Muzarabani

[TapsC2]

Yup that 11 looks about right although Logan Cup form might change all that

[sam_ahm]

Kaitano has been very disappointing to say the least, we can't ignore his white ball form.

I'll probably go in with below:

I Kaia
W Madhevere
C Ervine
M Shumba
S Williams
S Raza
R Chakabwa (or Madande?)
B Evans
B Mavuta
V Nyauchi
B Muzarabani

Yes, my side is very similar to the ODI side barring Burl and Ngarava but I think Madhevere and Shumba are the future and need to be playing tests. Seniors are still needed, so I don't have an option to include specialist test openers.

Mavuta because he has got some wickets and can be a handy bat. I won't mind Madande instead of Regis either in tests. but if Regis is available then we can go with him.

Nyauchi is a good bowler, I think with red ball he can do more damage than Richard.

[jaybro]

We won’t see Wes opening in test cricket Sam, especially not with him facing his 4th duck in a row

[sam_ahm]

We won’t see Wes opening in test cricket Sam, especially not with him facing his 4th duck in a row

Oops.

[CalZim]

Here is my stab at a test 11 (all could change with Logan cup form)

Kasuza
Shumba
Ervine
Williams
Raza
Chakabva
Burl
Evans
Mavuta
Muzarabani
Nyauchi

We bat down to 9, 3 seamers but maybe a 4th dependant on the pitch could be the likes of Jongwe/DT.

Kasuza instead of Kaia for me, Shumba opened well in his last test.

If it’s a 14 man squad then kaia, Madhevere and either DT or Jongwe on bench.

I’d be pretty happy with that, think we have a competitive test team. Always going be tough against the Windies seamers though.

[Jemisi]

Sure Wes had an awful start but I can't see us without him in the team, especially if we're without any of the big 3. I think he just has to play unless he has a really terrible Logan cup

[jaybro]

Sure Wes had an awful start but I can't see us without him in the team, especially if we're without any of the big 3. I think he just has to play unless he has a really terrible Logan cup

He’s definitely in the discussion and a big LC season will get him in the XI no doubt. But if he is to play I’d rather him down at No.6 rather than top 3.

At this point I just think from what I’ve seen, Kasuza & Kaitano are the most comfortable at facing real pace from our opening options.

I really liked the look of Kaia so far in his ODI career, he looks a perfect No.3 in Test cricket despite his average first class average of 25 I’d give him a go.

This allows us to load up the middle order with the premier batsman in the side Ervine, Williams, Raza & Regis all safely away from the new ball. Having Burl at No.8 as the spinner also adds length to the tail.

I think history shows Zimbabwe will always go for an extra batsman at No.8 if they can, just to give that extra batsman in case we crumble early in the innings.

[Jemisi]

I'd be fine with
Ervine
Williams
Raza
Wes
Regis
Burl
Evans
Ngarava
Blessing

Not sure about the openers tbh

[slcricfan1]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ban ... -scorecard

Why not just go with the same openers as before? Milton and Kaitano is very nice. Yeah Kaitano has found it a little tough but its not like West Indies are gonna come with a couple of good spinners. Also, odi form is not indicative of test form